Ellington

High school hit by vandals

Whitefish High School was vandalized May 30 after an alleged senior prank went too far. Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial says there are five juvenile suspects in the case.

Glacier Institute offers June courses

The Glacier Institute will offer a number of adult courses in June. Marking its 29th year of educational programs, the Institute is a long-time partner with Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Flathead Valley Community College.

An Emotional Holiday

A bag of fast food, something I haven’t eaten since a rather college-type evening in Missoula, sits with grease spots on top of a tall table I got as a gift and am not sure where to put but in the middle of my living room.

Local plants good for healing

Thomas Tracey points out a red and green leaved plant from the hill alongside Swan River Nature Trail.

Bigfork Masons encourage reading through bike program

Eight Swan River School students read their way to a new bicycle this year through the Bigfork Masonic Lodge’s Bikes for Books program.

Lakeside resident wins Mack Days with 1,551 fish

Don Beville of Lakeside won this spring’s Mack Days fishing tournament by catching 1,551 non-native lake trout. This was Beville’s fourth time participating in the tournament and his wife, Sharon, placed fifth in the women’s division with 74 and his son, Garrett, placed fourth in the youth’s 13-17 division with 130.

Testing under way on Mount Aeneas antenna

An antenna was ferried by helicopter to a building on Mount Aeneas last week so tests of the county’s emergency services signals finally could begin.

Commissioner candidates' reasons vary for filing for bankruptcy

Three of the 15 active candidates for the two open seats on the Flathead County commission have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Montana.

Stan Watkins, Whitewater Regular

For 25 straight years Kalispell Athletic Club owner Stan Watkins raced down the Wild Mile during Bigfork’s annual Whitewater Festival.

Morley wins two at State B

Bigfork High School freshman Makena Morley won two events at the Class B state meet in Bozeman on May 25 and 26. Overall, the Vals placed fifth at state with 30 of the 33 points earned by Morley. The Vikes placed 21st with four points.

Bigfork Schools to seek funds for school garden

The Bigfork School Board approved Sue McGregor’s request to begin applying for grants so the school can eventually have a school garden similar to the one in Lakeside/Somers School District during their meeting last Wednesday.

Hoop camp set for June 11

Basketball season may be over, but the ball is still in the court for Northshore Hoop Camp at Bigfork High School gym. For the last three summers boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth-grade spend a week learning about fundamentals with BHS basketball coaches Kurt Paulson and Mark Hanson

Doughnuts, handmade and fried fresh in Bigfork

They’re glazed, cakey and fried in Bigfork.

New store to sell made in Montana outdoor equipment

Handmade signs with names of towns and places in the Flathead Valley hang on the walls along with a pair of antique ice skates, and a view of the river in the back creates the rustic and creative vibe that Hilary and Levi Shepard were going for with their new store, The Mountaineer.

Lakeside man wins Mack Days with 1,551 dish

Don Beville of Lakeside won this spring’s Mack Days fishing tournament by catching 1,551 non-native lake trout. This was Beville’s fourth time participating in the tournament and his wife, Sharon, placed fifth in the women’s division with 74 and his son, Garrett, placed fourth in the youth’s 13-17 division with 130.

Marie Therese Ohaneson

Marie Therese Ohaneson, age 94, passed away on Thursday April 26 at Lakeview Care Center. Marie was born on May 22, 1917 in Liege, Belgium, the fourth child of Edouard and Germaine Schroeder.

Flathead Audubon and Montana Audubon to co-host bird fest

Flathead Audubon will co-host the annual Montana Audubon Wings Across the Big Sky bird festival in Kalispell on June 8-10. The festival will be headquartered at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Bigfork Summer Playhouse to open two plays this week

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is hitting homeruns this week with their production of “Damn Yankees” and stirring up some laughs with “9 to 5.”

Swan River Principal Loyda resigns

Music blasted out of Swan River School’s gym on May 25 for an all-grades assembly and everyone had Mountain Dew ice cream floats afterwards. The students weren’t celebrating the end of the school year, but saying goodbye and thank you to their principal, Peter Loyda.

Financial past not a concern in interim appointment

The 2009 bankruptcy filing of Cal Scott was not known to the two sitting county commissioners who appointed him to fill the seat left vacant by Commissioner Jim Dupont’s death, but neither thinks it would have made a difference in their decision.

Park concessionaires post schedules

The 2012 operating dates for concessioners operating in Glacier National Park are scheduled.

Brutal weather doesn't slow Dogs at state

Joint C-Falls, Whitefish swim team won't happen this year

Artist works with students

Zebra scare delays lake cleanup

City moves forward with wayfinding sign project

North Fork road improvements

It has been an interesting week weather wise on the North Fork. One day, I was wearing short pants and a T-shirt in near 80-degree weather. The next, I was back in long johns, long pants, flannel shirt and needing a jacket to go outside. Normal spring weather.

Fist fight with a griz

Glacier Park grizzlies are out and about, but there is most concern about the big bears down in the Yellowstone area, which had two fatal maulings last summer.

Wants a commissioner who recycles

Why do we live here in the Flathead Valley? Because we’re smart, smart, smart. But you’re blind, blind, blind. We have huge issues with what’s going on with the county landfill.

Senate candidate on the record

The run for Senate District 2 has certainly been very interesting and educational. I have met people who have expressed their feelings covering a multitude of concerns both political and non-political.

Likes Fern

Now is that time of year where students at the University of Montana log-on and pay their bills for next fall. As a fourth-year, 3.7 GPA student there, I am intimately familiar with the bank account siphoning procedures adopted by our education systems. Since I call Columbia Falls home and am therefore an in-state student, UM’s tuition is comparatively low. For some of us, however, comparatively low is still too high.

Beaver Lake boat launch to stay open despite milfoil

Likes Brown

Dee Brown, Republican candidate for Senate District 2, is an articulate community leader. Her voting record as a four-term Montana state legislator proves she places constituents and family values first.

Sports news

Cat Dog Smoker

Glacier Twins lose two on the road

The Glacier Twins AA Legion baseball club dropped a pair of close games on the road last week.

Cross-valley alumni soccer match slated

The Flathead Rapids will hold their first Flathead Valley alumni game at Grouse Mountain Fields, in Whitefish, on Sunday, July 1, with games from 10 a.m. into the evening.

Joint C-Falls, Whitefish swim team won't happen

A joint Columbia Falls-Whitefish high school swim team won’t happen this year. Organizer Courtney Babcock learned late last month that The Wave in Whitefish can’t accommodate the new team.

Tennis players have tough time at state

Columbia Falls tennis teams didn’t bring home any hardware from the state tennis tournament May 24-25 in Great Falls, but they had some nice performances.

Wildkats take fourth at state softball tourney

The Columbia Falls girls softball team battled to a fourth-place finish after a rocky start at the state Class A tournament last week in Anaconda.

Cats take third at state behind Williams, Jones

Derrick Williams won three races and Daniel Jones won the javelin and shot put as the Columbia Falls boys track team took third at the state Class A meet May 25-26 in Bozeman.

Outdoor news

Festival of the Fly

Life jackets for dogs is a good idea

The first time I saw a dog wearing a life jacket, I started laughing. Then I took some photos. I’d never seen such a thing.

Big Creek restoration efforts pay off for bull trout

After decades of restoration efforts, one of the main tributaries of the North Fork of the Flathead will be removed from the state’s list of sediment-impaired waters.

State wants to continue Swan Lake netting

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently released an environmental assessment proposing a five-year extension for the lake trout gill-netting project completed on Swan Lake in the fall of 2011.

Park plans for fish, cabins and fundraising merger

Glacier National Park officials announced a number of future changes at a community meeting last week in Columbia Falls that ranged from the Sun Road to entrance passes. Three others included:

One fish barrier going up, another down

To improve fish habitat in Glacier National Park, one fish barrier will be torn down and another will be beefed up, Park officials announced last week.

Active military get free Park passes

They’re serving their country. Now they can go to Glacier National Park and any other national park for free.

Little mussels a big concern for Park

A little mussel is a big worry for Glacier National Park superintendent Chas Cartwright.

Candidate wants to bring business to the valley

When Gary Krueger talks about why he decided to run for Flathead County Commissioner for District 3, the seat now held by Dale Lauman, it’s all about public service.

Candidate's focus is on job creation in the valley

Kalispell business owner Terry Kramer says if he’s elected Flathead County Commissioner for District 3, his business experience will be put to good use creating more jobs in the Flathead Valley.

Candidate sells off assets to commit time to job

Looking after the needs of a community can be a full-time job. That’s why Republican Jay Scott says he plans to dedicate his time to the people of Flathead County if he’s elected county commissioner for District 3. 

Dinner supports community garden

First Best Place will host a dinner event at Glacier Discovery Square on Saturday, June 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. to support the Columbia Falls Community Garden at River’s Edge Park, now in its second growing season.

Community news

Kids quilting

Mack Days results

Don Beville, of Lakeside, set a record with the most fish caught in this year’s Spring Mack Days by hauling in 38,085 lake trout from Flathead Lake over the 11-week period. The previous record was 34,350 in 2010.

A passion for the bassoon means full ride for C-Falls graduate

Natalie Law remembers her first piano lesson. She was four years old and had been playing on the family piano since she was a toddler, making up her own songs. Her parents wanted her to learn the right way, so they took her to lessons.

Ski resort proposes new north side chairlift

Whitefish Mountain Resort rolled out plans last week to add a new chairlift on the north side of Big Mountain, giving skiers access to Flower Point.

Memorial Day weekend racing

The Premiere racing division at Montana Raceway Park will take to the banked asphalt oval this Memorial Day weekend.

Bartkoski graduates from Naval Academy

The Bartkoski family will have a special graduation party next month. Their son, Weston, will return home after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Two candidates vie for district judge position

Two women, Heidi Ulbricht and Vanessa Ceravolo, are running for the judge position currently held by Stewart Stadler, who is retiring. The two nonpartisan candidates for Flathead County District Court Judge for Department 3 will face each other in the June 5 primary and again in the fall general election.

County needs better roads, less equipment tax

If there’s one thing Republican Mike Schlegel knows, it’s roads. A former member and chairman of the Flathead County Road Advisory Committee, Schlegel is also president of Schlegel and Sons, a road construction company. Schlegel said this experience will serve him well as Flathead County Commissioner for District 3.

Commissioner candidate wants more logging

Republican Bob Herron is a businessman at heart. As owner of a Kalispell insurance company, Herron said he’s worked to grow not only his own business but to improve the business community in the valley as a whole.

FWP asks for Swan Lake gill-netting to continue

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released an environmental assessment last week proposing a five-year extension for the lake trout gill-netting project completed on Swan Lake in the fall of 2011.

Mahlum wins State B tennis title

Victory is sweet.

Two Bigfork golfers finish in top 15

Bigfork brought home two out of three students in top 15 spots from the State B golf tournament in Billings last week.

Teacher retires from same school she attended

BHS reminds students to think before they hit that send button

Stop.

Eagle Bend hosts Grizzly Scholarship Association golf tourney

A light sprinkle of rain kicked off the Grizzlies Golf Classic at Eagle Bend Golf Course on Friday afternoon.

Likes Brown for Senate District 2

Dee Brown, Republican candidate for Senate District 2, is an articulate community leader. Her voting record as a four-term Montana state legislator proves she places constituents and family values first.

Candidate wants to mine, drill and log us out of trouble

I am not a professional politician. Instead, I’m a businessman, and it’s a businessman that Montana needs as governor.

Asks if senate candidate lives here

Who is Rollan A. Roberts II? His Montana Office of Political Practices D-1 form lists his home phone as 850.450.xxxx, which is a Pensacola, Fla., number. It lists his work number as 406.624.xxxx, which is a landline in Bozeman.

Kenyon, Ellis rally to win divisional

Food bank loses key volunteer

Lady Bulldogs divisional champs

Evelyn Boyd

Elizabeth “Ann” Tarr

Donation helps middle school P.E.

The Whitefish Middle School recently added a weight assisted pull up machine to its physical education department.

Students stand by WHS principal

Why not for our teachers?

I’m compelled to correct some of the misinformation given by former Somers Trustee, Mike Schlegel, in the story about the failure of the Somers district levy.  He is quoted in the article as saying, “The teachers making $80,000 can take a freeze so the ones making $27,000 can catch up, that’s what’s fair, that’s what I’ve learned from six years of being on the board.”  Evidentially, during the six years that Mr. Schlegel was on the Board, he never actually saw the teachers’ salary schedule.  

Speeders and thieves cause vandalism at Angel Point

As I sat on my neighbors deck, she pointed out how fast the cars and trucks drove this bend in the road. Not only was there potential for an auto accident, but three out of the five houses on this south to east corner of Angel Point Road live little children. Bicyclists, dog walkers, and wild animals also utilize this curve.

Teacher supports Lakeside/Somers School's decisions

I am writing this letter in support of Somers School District.  I have been a teacher in this district for 28 years and can attest to the high quality of our school system.  The district has worked hard to be fiscally responsible in the face of declining state funding.  The last time the voters were asked for additional funding was in 2006, when a levy was passed to fund curriculum.  Last year, the staff requested a two year base salary freeze and many took on more responsibilities to help balance the budget.  

Regarding the school board

Let’s get this straight. Mike Schlegel (Somers School board trustee for the last 6 years until last Tuesday night and current county commissioner candidate) was quoted last week in the West Shore News saying he believes our schools’ financial crisis is due to teachers being overpaid and that he finds it offensive to call this budget expense (teacher salaries) ‘education’. He also offered an inaccurate figure when quoting the top salaries of our most experienced teachers. He overstated the amount by $20,000 dollars per year.

Lake County tracks down sex offenders

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been updating its portion of the state Sexual and Violent Offender Registry.

Previous school board approves volunteer football coach contract, new board begins

About 50 people attended The Lakeside/Somers School Board meeting on May 15 to discuss the future of the school’s football program with the previous board of trustees before the induction of the new trustees, Sam Bagley and John Hollensteiner. The previous board’s final action was to approve a contract for Randy Gilpin to serve as volunteer football coach.

Lake County Parks and Trails plan deadline ends this month

The Lake County Parks Board is developing a county-wide parks and trails plan. The board is collecting surveys through the end of May to understand the public’s ideas for the development and maintenance of parks and trails.

City to consider yard sale restrictions

BHS track to send 20 athletes to State meet

Bigfork High School’s track and field team had 33 athletes compete in the Western B Divisionals in Corvallis on May 18 and 19 and 20 of them performed well enough to compete in the State track meet in Bozeman on May 25 and 26.

Bachelors and bears, a proposed documentary

I don’t watch TV, but I love to stream documentaries online. Anything from polar bears to ancient civilizations to the more bizarre ones about UFOs.

Jacob A. Wormsbecker

Jacob A. “Jake” Wormsbecker, 95, a WWII Army veteran and Hi-Line area farmer who lived on a small cherry orchard near Bigfork from 1980-2011, died on March 25 at the Whitefish hospital. His Yellow Bay orchard, flowers, & handmade “Whirligigs” were a local tourist attraction for many years.

Restaurant with southwestern twist opens on Electric Ave.

Some may not remember that the Wine Cellar next to the Garden Bar used to be the Post Office in Bigfork. It’s also possible that some of Bigfork’s residents and visitors may not know about Owney, the U.S. Postal Service’s first mascot.

Glacier Institute offers kids camps

The Glacier Institute will offer a variety of kids camps at their Big Creek Outdoor Education Center up the North Fork.

Big money, out-of-state PAC jumps into state AG race

It has come to my attention that a political action committee (PAC) from Back East has jumped into the Republican primary race for Montana Attorney General in support of my opponent.

U.S. House candidate introduces himself

Have you ever wanted a representative in Congress who said “no” to money from special interest groups? A representative who stayed independent from those groups by not pledging in advance to consider only their positions in Congress? A representative who actually demonstrates that the people are the top priority?

Candidate is a family man with business ethics

I have some important information that I am certain will be of great benefit to your readership about Ben Stormes. Ben is a candidate running for the office of Flathead County Commissioner for District 1 in the coming election.

Is marijuana use really stupid?

On May 9, the Hungry Horse News quoted Flathead County commissioner candidate and former Whitefish city councilor Doug Adams saying, “People who think (marijuana) is a good idea for Montana are stupid.” Adams’ name calling against thousands of Montanans shows to me a serious character flaw as a politician — one who should address issues in objective terms, not demean people on subjective terms.

Candidate claims criticism helps his campaign

Russ Crowder claims that in the race for the Republican nomination for Flathead County commissioner for District 1, I’m running on the platform “Russ Crowder is picking on me.”

Questions commissioner race

Immediately after paying my fee to run for Flathead County Commissioner for District 1, upon Jim Dupont’s death, my cell phone rang the next evening. On it was a young lady representing herself as a Republican Central Committee representative from the city of Whitefish.

The most dedicated volunteers in the county

United Veterans of the Flathead County are among most dedicated volunteers in the county. Military honors for any veteran are performed by United Veterans. Honor guard is composed of captain of the guard, flag bearers, firing squad and a bugler with 12 to 15 members participating. Local National Guard Honor Guard contingent folds and presents the flag. Local mortuaries make arrangements at the request of families.

Re: government incompetence

I admit that, as I have aged, I have become more and more cynical. I have been involved with law enforcement since I was a boy. My dad became a game warden when I was 10 and later served two terms as Flathead County sheriff.

Seeking 'great truths'

The world’s largest bank, J.P. Morgan, is going through a shakeup this month because a $13 million a year investment executive’s team made a dumb business transaction which lost her corporation $2 billion.

Paul Haag

Paul Gerhard Haag, 84, passed away of natural causes on May 13, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Raymond Toole

Raymond Kenneth Toole, 74, passed away May 6, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Peter Hofer

Peter John “Don” Hofer, 68, passed away May 4, 2012, in Kalispell.

Elizabeth Tarr

Elizabeth “Ann” Tarr, 74 passed on quietly April 15, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a brave year and a half fight with pancreatic cancer.

Eron Nicholls

Eron Margene “Marge” Nicholls, 81, died May 12, 2012, at her home of seven years, Sun Terrace Assisted Living, in Hermiston, Ore.

Unbeaten Broncs unbeaten no more

To heck with run differentials and tie break scenarios. The Columbia Falls softball team set its own destiny last week by beating the unbeaten Frenchtown Broncs 4-3 on May 12.

Four C-Falls tennis players head to state

The Columbia Falls tennis teams will send four athletes to the state Class A tournament this week in Great Falls.

Boys run away with Northwest A crown

Wildcat Daniel Jones broke the divisional and school record in the javelin, and teammate Derrick Williams won three races as the Columbia Falls boys track team easily won the Northwest A divisional track title last week at home.

Twins notch a few nonconference wins

The pieces are falling in place for the Glacier Twins AA baseball club just as the season kicks into full swing.

Chicken-eating grizzly brothers moved

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks report that two young male grizzly bears were caught last week near Lake of the Woods, east of Kalispell.

Outdoor news

Conservation award

Build a flicker nest and save your house

How in the world does an animal build itself a house, in this case a nest, using just its mouth? Though not a riddle, the answer might be either one piece at a time or very carefully.

A tip on how to cast farther

Seems like every year my fly-casting classes trigger a casting tip to pass on to the Fishfull Faithful. This year’s tip is a handy trick to stop your rod abruptly on the forward cast.

Park gets $1 million for trail work this year

Glacier National Park will have about a $1 million in their budget for trail clearing and trail work this coming season, Park officials said last week. The Park annually spends between $675,000 and $1 million on its 730-plus miles of trails.

Park official: Shuttle is overloading alpine areas

Road management plan has $1.3 million price tag

End is near on alpine road work

After several years of traffic jams, opening delays, dust and jackhammers, the end is near for work in the alpine areas of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Sun Road should open by June 15

If the weather holds, Glacier National Park plows crews are expected to be at Logan Pass by May 25, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road should open all the way over Logan Pass by June 15, Park assistant superintendent Kym Hall said last week.

Suspended sentence in Evergreen beating case

A 33-year-old Columbia Falls man has been sentenced to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all suspended after being accused of beating a 38-year-old man with a baseball bat in the White Birch Motel in Evergreen in April 2011.

Crosswalk work could last into July

From now through June, motorists traveling through Columbia Falls can expect short delays and one-lane traffic on the U.S. 2 strip as crews work on upgrading the crosswalks from Nucleus Avenue to Fourth Avenue West.

Man sentenced for Marias Pass burglary

A 24-year-old Missoula man charged in the attempted burglary of a home near Marias Pass last fall was sentenced to prison in Flathead County District Court on May 10.

Memorial Day services

The United Veterans of the Flathead County have slated Memorial Day ceremonies for Monday, May 28. The public is invited to attend these observances at any location.

School news

Honor scholarships

Sports news

Cat-Dog Smoker

Community news

Free meals

Law's garden embraces native plants

A few years ago, Laura Law decided she was tired of looking at — and cutting — the lawn at her home. But instead of putting in a “traditional” landscape of ornamental flowers and shrubs, she opted for native plants wherever possible.

A few questions

What if the president could arrest American citizens without due process and detain them indefinitely? What if our men and women in uniform were sent to fight illegal and immoral wars?

Likes Stormes

As the election for county commissioner approaches, please consider voting for Ben Stormes for Flathead County Commissioner District 1.

Likes Adams

I’ve known Doug Adams for the past few years and consider him an excellent candidate for county commissioner. His views on taxes and property rights alone have secured my vote.

Likes Wilmer

The Democratic Party has fielded an impressive group of candidates vying for Montana’s lone seat in the House of Representatives. But the one who stands out as the exceptional candidate is Franke Wilmer.

Youth sports

Youth sports

Marksmanship and history meet north of C-Falls

Families and individuals will be able to learn traditional rifle marksmanship skills and their historical role in the country’s founding at the Project Appleseed event to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3, at the North Valley Sportsman’s Club firing range off the North Fork Road, north of Columbia Falls.

Senate candidate on the record

The run for Senate District 2 has certainly been very interesting and educational. I have met people who have expressed their feelings covering a multitude of concerns both political and non-political.

School board votes to renew principal's contract

The Whitefish School District Board Monday voted to renew high school Principal Dave Carlson’s contract.

Canyon goes digital May 25

Desert Mountain TV translators will be converted to digital operation on Friday, May 25. The channel line up will remain the same, but viewers will receive two additional channels from KCFW.

Whooping cough cases continue to climb

The Flathead City-County Health Department’s count of confirmed cases of pertussis in Flathead County climbed to 47 by Monday, May 22, while the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reported more than 200 confirmed cases statewide.

Health director addresses disease outbreaks

In reference to an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in Ravalli County and the general resurgence of this disease throughout Montana and the U.S. and cases in Flathead County last year and earlier this year, we will continue with active surveillance in our community and do everything possible to minimize the potential of multiple cases arising here.

Somers-Lakeside School District levy defeated

The Somers-Lakeside School District general-fund levy request of $405,000 was defeated last week with 626 votes against it and 515 votes for it. John Hollensteiner and Sam Bagley won the trustee election with 541 votes for Hollensteiner and 446 votes for Bagley. Dave Alexander had 426 votes and Stephen Naso had 315.

Growing gardens at SMS: 'Learning to feed yourself is a life skill'

Somers Middle School nutrition teacher Robin Vogler’s innovative classroom is outdoors.

BES first-grade teacher Sharon Lamar retires with friends, 'Life is good'

Editor’s note: This is part of a series the Bigfork Eagle is doing to highlight the careers of seven staff members retiring from the Bigfork School District at the end of the 2011-12 school year. The Eagle will run an article featuring a different retiring staff member each week.

Swan River School takes on pertussis

Flathead County has 19 confirmed cases of pertussis, or more commonly known as whooping cough, and as of May 12 four cases of pertussis have been confirmed at Swan River School, three from the second grade class and one from the fourth grade. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes intense coughing for six or more weeks.

Mack Days nearly over, $10,000 lake trout still swimming

Anglers in the 2012 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event have turned in a total of 29,855 lake trout in the 27 days of the 34-day event. Beautiful blue skies and calm water has given the weather-weary anglers a break.

Tad Lee Frazier

Tad Lee Frazier passed away on May 7 at home. Tad was 47 years old, born in Casa Grande, Ariz. in 1964 to Ray Don and Susan Frazier. He graduated from Coolidge High School, attended Northern Arizona University, El Camino College in Torrance, Calif., and Flathead Valley Community College.

Lorraine B. Lankford

Lorraine B. Lankford, 86, of Bigfork, died on April 13 at home.

Thomas Dixon Reed

Thomas Dixon Reed, 87, of Kalispell, died on April 28 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls where he had resided for the last years.

Outdoor news

Bison meeting

Glacier Twins edge Calgary Redbirds

The pieces are starting to come together for the Glacier Twins. After a rough 11-game skid to start the Legion baseball season, the Twins picked up their first win Sunday after edging Calgary 9-8 in the second game of a doubleheader at Memorial Field.

C-Falls tennis sweeps Whitefish

The Columbia Falls tennis teams wrapped up their regular seasons last week. On May 10 the girls edged Whitefish 4-3 while the boys won 5-2.

Kats state playoff hopes hinge on this week

Columbia Falls softball team’s state playoff hopes will come down to the last week of the season. The Kats lost May 10 to Polson 7-5. A win would have secured the team a playoff spot, but the score could still prove advantageous for the girls, even without the victory.

Cats host divisional meet this week

For the first time in years, Columbia Falls will host the Northwest A divisional track meet. The meet is scheduled to begin Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and will run through Saturday.

Mysterious old rocks

During the last rebuilding of U.S. Highway 2 just north of Coram years ago, a boulder size rock was found in trees within the new right of way, and it was extremely unique because of very old but still visible lettering carved into it.

D.A.R. names new officers

Officers of Bird Woman Falls D.A.R. Chapter have been announced.

Early North Fork squabbles

I have written often in this column that the real North Fork is so special because of the people who live here – full time or part time. Since homestead days North Fork residents have been independent, self reliant, and argumentative.

Crowder responds to Adams

From a recent letter to the editor it appears that Doug Adams, county commissioner candidate for District 1, is running on the platform, “Russ Crowder is picking on me.”

Do you know where your boat has been?

Montana’s aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection program is gearing up for another summer, and the first question inspectors will ask is, “Where has your boat been in the past 30 days.” More than 45 newly trained Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks seasonal employees will man the check stations beginning in mid-May in key locations throughout the state.

Monte Senner

Monte Lorrin Senner Jr., 56, passed away suddenly at his home in Columbia Falls on Friday, May 11, 2012, of a heart attack.

Virginia Slater

Virginia M. “Jinny” Slater, 70, of Kingston, died at 4:40 a.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012, surrounded by family following a brief illness.

Quintin Richter

Quintin H. “Rick” Richter, 86 of West Glacier, passed away at home of natural causes May 8, 2012.

Timothy Piland

Tim W. Piland, 43 of Columbia Falls, died May 12, 2012 in Missoula.

William Foster

William “Bill” Duane Foster passed away on May 7, 2012 in Klamath Falls, Ore. He was 72.

Fishing tips for east of the divide

A few weeks ago, Blackfeet tribal fisheries biologist Toby Taber gave a report on fisheries management and outlook for this season’s fishing on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

He shoots trout, with a camera

Ryan Thompson has always been good at catching fish. Now he’s proving he excels at filming them, too.

Emergencies in Park over the weekend

Glacier National Park rangers responded to two emergencies on the Going-to-the Sun Road May 12. In one incident a woman fell off her bicycle and apparently broke her arm. Rangers transported her to Avalanche Creek by vehicle and family members then took her to the hospital for treatment by private vehicle.

Twins edge Redbirds

Bowman, Kintla Lake roads open

Motorists can now travel to Kintla and Bowman Lakes in the North Fork of Glacier National Park as those roads opened last week. The Inside North Fork Road is also now open south to Logging Creek. Between Logging Creek and Fish Creek the road is still closed.

Wolves, aspen, elk and fire - keys to healthy forests?

There are things one knows to be true in the natural world of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. There are wolves, there are elk, elk are chased down and eaten by wolves, and elk do everything they can to avoid being eaten. It’s nature.

Community news

Candidates speak

Gary W. Gephart

Alvira Marie Starks

Co-op to raise rates for members

Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc. members on average will see a 3.25 percent rate increase on their electric power bills effective June 1.

Johnson wants another term as Sec. of State

Montana Secretary of State candidate Brad Johnson said he wants to do away with same-day voting registration and he thinks people should have to show government-issued photo identification before they’re allowed to vote.

Streets leave $1.1M to foundation

'100 day cough' hits Columbia Falls schools

Whooping cough (pertussis) infected several people in the Columbia Falls School District last week, according to county health officials. The highly contagious ailment was spread by an adult who was misdiagnosed with bronchitis, said Jody White, a nurse with the Flathead City-County Health Department. The adult, in turn, gave it to the children. All told, there were three cases reported at Ruder Elementary and one case at Glacier Gateway.

Candidate wants to return American greatness

Ken Miller stopped in Columbia Falls on May 2 after appearing on a stage in Whitefish alongside four other Montana gubernatorial candidates. With everyone calling for more natural resource development and less taxes and regulations, it’s hard to distinguish oneself from the rest of the pack, he agreed.

Schools craft new TIF policy

Longtime district ranger will retire

Even if you didn’t see eye-to-eye with Jimmy DeHerrera, he was always willing to listen to concerns about issues on the Flathead National Forest.

Firemen respond to burning beard

The Columbia Falls Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the men's bathroom at City Hall on Wednesday morning, May 16.

Oversized Casey's sign stymies city councilors

Bigfork Vals Western B tennis champions

The Bigfork Valkyries took the Western B tennis title this weekend in Libby with the top two spots in singles play and second and fifth place in doubles play.

Family memories take crayons, salsa and time

My parents are salsa dancing in my living room. “Lilly” by Pink Martini is playing out of my father’s iPad.

New grapes take root in Flathead Valley

The roots of twelve experimental grape varieties touched down in Montana soil last Thursday off West Reserve Street in Kalispell.

Paddleboard maker brings sport to Flathead

The smell of mahogany and wood stain prefaces the view of two 12-foot paddle boards in various stages of development at the front of Terry Click’s shop on Montana 35 outside of Woodsbay.

Lil' Sprouts keep tradition one teacup at a time

Among the trees and shrubs of Swan River Gardens, 21 “little sprouts” with parents in tow made ladybugs and fungi out of brightly colored bits of clay last Wednesday afternoon.

Survey results show most want new city cemetery

City explores septic cleanup solutions

Former councilor running for commissioner seat

East Side Reservoir Road opens early

Hungry Horse News

Online voting can help Bigfork win $10,000

Bigfork High School is competing in a Facebook contest sponsored by Ford that pits 64 schools across the country against each other for who produced the best video.

Bigfork track holds off for district tourney

It definitely rained on the Vikes and Vals parade at the Archie Roe track meet in Kalispell on Saturday. Cold, wet, and windy weather kept the majority off the track and field, but the few that were able to compete during the meet did well.

Lakeside professional boxer sweeps bouts

The Burton Boxing fighters swept the pro bouts and capped an exciting night of boxing on Friday night at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Max Baucus brews up a batch at Tamarack

Senator Max Baucus, Dem., stopped in Lakeside on Friday to make his first batch of beer, Wakeboard Wit, at the Tamarack Brewery.

New Lakeside art gallery a place to gather

Community.

SMS set to host annual Mustang Wellness 5k

Runners, joggers, and walkers will line up at Somers Middle School on the morning of May 12 to make a loop out to the primitive beach area near the north shore and the public boat launch for the second annual Mustang Wellness 5k Run.

Baucus brews up a batch at Tamarack

Senator Max Baucus, Dem., stopped in Lakeside on Friday to make his first batch of beer, Wakeboard Wit, at the Tamarack Brewery.

Move-in date for new school pushed back

BHS senior makes UM cheer squad

Bigfork High School senior Keiko Sagami will trade red, white and blue for maroon, silver and white after she graduates in June.

Golf team takes three to State

Three Bigfork High School golfers, senior Sara Keenan, sophomore Dylan Carlson and freshman Lars Gittings, guaranteed their spots at state by placing in the top 15 at Monday’s divisionals tournament in Ronan.

1989 diesel spill in Whitefish Lake to see further cleanup

Top sprinter Amanda Foley signs with Griz

Wendy Zalutsky

Nancy Picucci

Robert Vaughan

Boese signs with MCC

Miles Community College head men’s basketball coach Chase Tait has announced the signing of a pair of Montana products, Jackson Boese (Bigfork) and Connor Smyle (Billings).

New dredge for Whitefish River cleanup

Girl Scout camp future at risk

Food bank plans new building

Big Mountain to expand bike trails

Youth group raises funds for camp by selling roasts

Cooking 80 pork roasts at a time inside a grill that used to be a 1,000 gallon propane tank is one way to raise funds for camp.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, even rap music

Adam Yauch, or more commonly known by his stage-name MCA from the Beastie Boys, died last week at the age of 47. The Beastie Boys helped bring rap music into the mainstream in the 1980s and continued to produce energetic and often hilarious rap songs up through the present.

Reject influence of big money in votes

At the Flathead Democrats’ spring dinner, we were reminded by Attorney General Bullock that Montana is still standing firm in defense of our state’s 100-year-old statute which prohibits corporate spending to elect or defeat candidates in city, county, legislative or statewide (non-federal) elections.

Local author wins Agatha book award

She didn’t expect to win, in fact, she was thrilled just to be nominated.

Republicans push resource development

Expanding Montana’s natural resource production was a running theme during the Republican gubernatorial forum May 2 at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium. The forum featured candidates Rick Hill, Neil Livingstone, Jim Lynch, Ken Miller and Corey Stapleton.

Voters pass levies, back incumbents

Columbia Falls voters gave the thumbs up to high school and elementary school levies and voted in two incumbent school board members Tuesday.

Voters approve school levy, Jarvi and Tucker elected to board

Whitefish School District voters Tuesday approved a high school district levy request. 

Joyce O'Neil

Joyce Greenwalt O’Neil, 87, died at her home in Columbia Falls on May 1, 2012.

Kenneth Hotz

Kenneth LeRoy Hotz, 91, died in Whitefish on May 2, 2012.

Gordon Midland

Gordon B. Midland, 84, died April 10, 2012.

Jeffrey Ehlers

Jeffrey Leroy Ehlers, 48, of Coram, died at his home on April 28, 2012.

Ronald Olson

Ronald Olson, 72, of Columbia Falls, died at his home on May 1, 2012.

Kats go 1-1 on the week

The Columbia Falls softball team walloped Whitefish but had a tough time getting runs across the plate against Frenchtown last week.

Pirates rough up tennis teams

The Columbia Falls boys tennis team has found a winning combination in Parker Johnson and Miroslav Zvyagelskiy for boys doubles.

Cats shine at Archie Roe track

The Columbia Falls boys track team had a stellar performance against tough AA competition at the Archie Roe track meet on May 5 in Kalispell.

Emerson awarded scholarship to play for Griz

Nick Emerson likely made a bit of Columbia Falls history last week. The standout former Wildcat basketball player accepted a scholarship with the University of Montana Grizzlies last week.

Sports news

Grizzly golf tourney

Glacier Twins still looking for first win

The Glacier Twins continue to search for their first win of the season following a pair of losses to the Bitterroot Red Sox on Sunday at Memorial Park in Whitefish. Missed opportunities at the plate plagued the Twins in the doubleheader.

Locals shouldn't foot the bill for Bakken oil drilling

The murder of a young teacher in Sidney is an unspeakable tragedy. No Montana community should ever have to live through another loss like that. But unless we take action swiftly, the problems that we’ve seen around the Bakken oil fields will likely grow.

Bi-partisan highway bill needs support

As contractors, we rely on predictability and certainty to grow our businesses, especially as construction season gets underway in Montana.  

Government should give citizens credit for brains

Spring is always interesting on the North Fork. Melting snow turns driveways into a mix of ruts in the ice to big puddles, then to mud. It’s always fun to watch the snow slowly disappear from the meadow, and the deer and elk follow the arrival of the new, green shoots of alfalfa.

The shoveling conspiracy

The Theodore Roosevelt obelisk was featured in local newspaper story recently, and it brought back a fading memory. Those who traveled the scenic U.S. Highway 2 in the days before 1989 can never forget the original location … smack dab in the middle of the road at Maria Pass, all 60 feet of it. That’s where it was when I had a personal adventure there.

Likes Gentry

I wish to support Kirk Gentry, candidate for Flathead County Commissioner. Kirk is a common sense type of guy who has no agenda and he is approachable. Kirk has a business background and was the former owner of Spotted Bear Ranch in the South Fork. Honesty and concern for others is a refreshing trait in the political field.

Lake volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the Northwest Montana Lakes Volunteer Monitoring Network. Volunteers will receive training and equipment to assist them in data collection, but they will need their own boat. Volunteers will be asked to monitor their lakes twice a month and spend one day with Whitefish Lake Institute staff collecting water chemistry data.

Outdoor news

Park expeditions

Hug a little less, help a little more

Stop Hugging and Start Helping was the topic of a recent presentation by a self-proclaimed former, or should I say reformed, environmental activist. While his world had focused on that of the outdoor recreation enthusiast, being outside and being active in the “natural world” eventually gave him an appreciation for the world we live in, and for the business of managing forests.

Living with wildlife makes economic sense

Montana’s wildlife is one big benefit of being a Montanan — or visiting here. Tourism, an important economic engine in the state, is fueled significantly by visitors interested in viewing wildlife. That’s why learning to live with wildlife and avoiding conflicts makes good personal and economic sense.

Fisheries manager honored with special award

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 fisheries manager Jim Vashro, of Kalispell, recently received the Montana Wildlife Federation’s Special Conservation Achievement Award. The award was presented at MWF’s 77th annual meeting in Helena on April 28.

Park plows three miles from Logan Pass

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is now open to vehicles to Avalanche Campground, and Glacier National Park plows are working in the Big Bend area on the west side and at Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side. Big Bend is about three miles from Logan Pass.

Park proposes tearing down ranger station

Glacier National Park wants to tear down a former ranger station building at Avalanche Creek Campground. The building is in disrepair, and the Park says it sees no need to restore a building no longer in use.

Why Joe Cosley should be a hero

Having been out of town, I have not been following the stories recommending Joe Cosley for pardon. Cosley’s life might be broken down into three segments:

Glacier Park schedules meetings

Glacier National Park will host two community meetings to share information about Park activities and issues.

Spring for Glacier supports the Park

The Spring for Glacier fundraiser theme this year pays tribute to Glacier National Park’s railroad past. The event benefits the Park’s four partners: Glacier Institute, Glacier Association, Glacier National Park Associates and Glacier National Park Fund.

School news

Honor society

Community news

Dog show

C-Falls students excel at district music festival

Columbia Falls had a great showing at the district music festival at Flathead and Glacier high schools April 12-14.

District court candidates present their cases

Three nonpartisan candidates for Flathead County District Court Judge, Dept. 2, talked at the Glacier Pachyderm Club luncheon at the Red Lion Inn on April 27. The seat is currently held by Katherine Curtis, who is retiring.

Canyon clean-up

Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Canyon along U.S. 2, the Head Start Nature Trail and the Flathead Food Bank’s Martin City Community Garden.

Spring rain brings nuisance weeds

Columbia Falls police chief Dave Perry reminds residents that the city’s weed ordinance’s definition of “nuisance weeds” includes all vegetation other than trees or shrubs over eight inches high.

SUV goes in the river

Nobody was seriously hurt May 2 when a 2000 Ford Explorer with Tennessee plates went off River Road near the U.S. 2 bridge and down into the Flathead River.

Tourists have concerns about recycling and casinos

Annual survey suggests half of tourists like Montana

Girl Scout camp in jeopardy, lease jumps five-fold

For more than 50 years, local Girl Scouts have been staying at Camp Westana on Lower Stillwater Lake. But by next year, the memories and joys that go with camping there could vanish.

Al-Qaeda magazine calls for setting wildfires

It’s not unusual to run into someone in Northwest Montana who moved here after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Getting away from population centers, and particularly places like New York City that have already been targets of terrorists, was a common explanation.

Flathead National Forest campgrounds opening

Flathead National Forest campgrounds start opening this weekend. Big Creek, Emery Bay, Holland Lake, Swan Lake and Tally Lake campgrounds and the Doris Point Boat Launch will open to the public Friday, May 11. These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Big Sky Recreation.

Online voting can help Bigfork win $10,000

Bigfork High School is competing in a Facebook contest sponsored by Ford that pits 64 schools across the country against each other for who produced the best video.

Tourism-trade mission to Canada planned

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., visited Whitefish on Friday to talk about an upcoming tourism and trade mission to Canada. He met with local tourism and business leaders as part of his Flathead jobs tour and encouraged networking across the border as a way to help boost job growth in Northwest Montana.

Glacier Park campgrounds opening for summer season

Many of Glacier National Park’s campgrounds will open for the summer season in upcoming weeks. Apgar Campground opened with services on Friday, May 4, and St. Mary Campground will open with services on May 14. Additional campgrounds will open as the season progresses.  

Candidate wants to stand up to federal mandates

County commissioner candidate Ben Stormes, of Whitefish, believes there are steps the county can take to address federal mandates and regulations on water quality, timber harvesting, mining, stream access and wolves.

Interim commissioner talks about experience

Cal Scott, a fifth-generation Flathead Valley native, has an arm’s-length resume that includes a congressman, a TV news program and numerous awards from around the country.

Woods a codebreaker

Two spies in separate prison cells are somehow communicating to each other through the walls. A hidden microphone picks up tapping sounds one night. Can someone listen to the taps and decipher the code — which obviously wasn’t done by Samuel Morse — and find out what the prisoners are up to?

BFD upgrades interior

New paint and drywall pave the way to a pair of sleeping quarters and an upgrade at the Bigfork Fire Department.

Rain and I have a love/hate relationship

I think spring, not winter, is the hardest part about living in Montana.  

Couple teams up to write for stage

He writes the words, she writes the music.

BSAC searches for funds

The Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee has much to do before it can send out a second survey to test the waters for a Rural Special Improvement District. An RSID would help pay for the last installment of the stormwater project, which will be completed at the north and south ends of Bridge Street.

Grizzly golf tournament

The 13th annual Grizzlies Golf Classic Tournament will be held at The Eagle Bend Golf Course on Friday, May 18, beginning at noon.

Superintendent Casey Love steps down

School faces cuts without levy approval

Second annual flea market anticipated to be bigger than last

Blacktail Trail is one quarter of the way to meeting community match fund

Local teams issue a challenge for the upcoming Dragon Boat Race

Health screenings coming to Lakeside

Robert “Bob” Lindborg

Bigfork Elementary teacher set to retire after 33 years

School board explains mill levy election

School elections are coming up on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. This year, school elections will include voting for school trustees and voting on a district mill levy.

Columbia Falls school officials say levy will not raise taxes

Reductions in non general fund budgets will offset levy request

Sprinters lead Lady Dogs at A.R.M.

Lady Dogs sweep Kats in doubles

Sattler takes epic battle at Corvallis

BPCT has one more show left

Hanson is lone Democrat in SD3 race

Bricks available for park's memorial path

Jam bands to headline Depot Park concerts

School board, levy election May 8

Helen Morris is 65th and final First Lady

Glacier Park to host community meetings

City plans to replace fire trucks

BERT to host Preparedness Fair

Care center closes to visitors because of flu

School Board discusses tech benefits

Flathead Fishing Fair to be held at Snappy's

Postscript to defeat

Last week’s column about occupation to G.I.s and German women raised questions from readers which prompts me to supply more background. Those were terrible times for millions of Europeans, and especially European women; however, servicemen like me had to find what little humor there was in order to tolerate the misery we observed. Following is information many have forgotten or never knew:

Don't trust government for advice

The last few weeks, I have been amused (again) by the “experts” from various state and federal agencies regarding the possibility of flooding and/or a major fire season.

International highway dispute hot topic in 1920s

Competition between Columbia Falls and Kalispell Chambers of Commerce was intense during the 1920s.

Fair questions

I have some questions for former fair manager Jay Scott, who sued the county and is now running for Flathead County Commissioner. Following are my questions:

Finding the real Republicans

With 13 Republicans vying for two open county commission seats this year, the elections promise to be more entertaining than a junior goat rope at the county fair.

Williams sets two records at Whitefish A.R.M.

Derrick Williams continues to wow them at track. On April 28, the Columbia Falls long-distance runner set two meet records at the Whitefish A.R.M. meet. Williams won the 3,200 meters with a time of 9:54.54 and the 1,600 meters in 4:20.44, just two seconds ahead of Flathead’s Troy Fraley, who ran a 4:22.64.

Kats sweep Broncs tourney

The Columbia Falls softball team had a good weekend at the Frenchtown tournament April 28, downing Corvallis 4-1 and Hamilton 12-5.

Stenger leading Kat tennis

Gabrielle Stenger continues to play solid tennis for the Columbia Falls tennis squad.

Grapplers take seventh at state freestyle tourney

The Columbia Falls Wrestling Club finished in seventh place out of 33 teams from Canada and across Montana in the USA-Wrestling Freestyle State tournament at Majestic Valley Arena over the weekend.

Glacier Twins have rough season opener

The Glacier Twins AA Legion baseball club took some hard knocks last weekend as they kicked off the 2012 season. The Twins were shut out twice in four losses to Helena and Missoula.

Duane Macal

Duane Harry Macal, 76, died April 23, 2012, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Patricia Ramseth

Patricia Louise Piper Ramseth, 59 died April 22, 2012, at her home.

Burning permits required

Burning permits will be required in Flathead County from May 1 through June 30. Open burning is not allowed within the city limits of Whitefish, Kalispell and Columbia Falls. No burning is allowed from July 1 through Sept. 30. 

Boating safety classes offered

The Kalispell Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will present a boating safety class at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices in Kalispell on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch.

Outdoor news

Reservoir road closure

Correction

George Ostrom’s column about his role in the book “Night of the Grizzlies” contained an error. Ostrom did receive a payment for use of his photos in the edition published by Homestead Publishing in 1996. He mistakenly said no photo fee was paid.

Why we love water and birds

Last week, one warm sunny afternoon — the kind of spring day that makes one believe, even hope, that global warming is not only true but winter has been outlawed — mayflies hovered in clouds over the Missouri River in north central Montana.

Lake fish facts are stubborn things

President John Adams famously said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

Ski resort posts record numbers despite tough start

Despite a slow start to the ski season, with the extreme drought conditions in December and a weeklong opening delay, Whitefish Mountain Resort posted record skier-visit numbers for the 2011-2012 ski season on April 25.

Many Glacier, Two Medicine roads fully open to vehicles

The Many Glacier and Two Medicine roads in Glacier National Park opened last week. Meanwhile, Park plows continue their progress toward Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

West Glacier not for sale

The shops and motels in West Glacier aren’t for sale, Bill Lundgren said last week. The Lundgren family has owned the West Glacier Mercantile, gift shop, restaurant and motel going on 67 years.

Facebook users sure like Glacier Park

Glacier National Park recently surpassed the 100,000 “likes” mark with its Facebook page, making it one of the most popular Facebook pages in the National Park Service.

Brawl blamed on school drug bust

A 28-year-old Hungry Horse man was arrested April 23 following a brawl in the Aluminum City subdivision involving perhaps a dozen people and handheld weapons.

Community news

Talk on fraud

C-Falls woman sentenced to 10 years for drug charge

A 21-year-old Columbia Falls woman who pleaded guilty to forgery and distribution of dangerous drugs, both felonies, was sentenced to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with five suspended.

School and military news

MSU-B graduates

Schweitzer promotes the Big Sky in the Big Apple

Gov. Brian Schweitzer cruised the streets of New York City in a semi-truck last week promoting Montana as a vacation destination.

Wilderness exhibit set up at Discovery Square

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation recently set up an historic display in the big bank vault in the lobby of Glacier Discovery Square, in Columbia Falls.